Ethical guidelines

IDRAS seeks to uphold in its own conduct and to encourage awareness at all levels in further and higher education, the principles of good conduct in public life stated by to Committee on Standards in Public Life in its First Report, of which it has recently published a review, Standards matter: A review of best practice in promoting good behaviour in public life.

The seven principles are:

Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends.

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

The First Report also noted that:

‘More needs to be done to promote and reinforce standards of conduct in public bodies, in particular through guidance and training, including induction training.’

IDRAS hopes to encourage this awareness throughout further and higher education.